(The Malaysian Insider) – Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor declared to Perkasa members tonight that the constant attacks against her by “those on the other side” have not killed her spirit and inspiration to serve the country.

The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, however, that such attacks were not unusual for anyone in her position.

“So to me… when we are in such positions we have to face slander. But no matter what, it is my hope that those here or from the other side would not believe what has been said,” she told a packed charity dinner organised by the Malay rights group’s women’s wing Wiranita Perkasa.

“I have been the target of much slander and lies from those on the other side but no matter what I face, insyaallah, my spirit remains strong for the people,” she said.

Rosmah cited the example of criticisms over the honorary Doctor of Law degree conferred to her last week by Australia’s Curtin University.

The honorary doctorate was awarded to Rosmah in recognition of her efforts in the development of education, particularly children’s education, through the Permata Negara programme.

“Those who said I paid for the degree, why should I?

“It would be better to give a contribution to Wiranita Perkasa.

“They accuse me in that manner, it is not right. Just because they usually pay, they think I paid too,” she said to applause from the crowd.

Rosmah added that the doctorate was not due to her successes alone but those of all Malaysians.

Earlier during the function, Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali sang praises of the prime minister’s wife, saying that the Malay rights group would always back Najib and his administration’s policies.

“We all know that Datin Seri Rosmah is not only the prime minister’s wife, but if we follow news reports, we see how active she is in carrying out her duties… We are in awe of her leadership,” he said.